CSMC has developed relationships with many sectors in the community to combat plastic pollution.
- K-12 [perhaps the button for this could be a picture of kids in a classroom decorating bags]. An increasing number of K-12 curriculums teach the environmental impact of pollution caused by single-use plastic items on our ocean environments. CSMC engaged with educators from schools such as Big Sur Charter, Carmel River, Carmel Middle and High, Monterey Bay, Robert Down Elementary and Olson on an activity to decorate cloth bags to offer at area farmers markets and events. If you work with students K-12 and would like to include CSMC and our partner’s plastic pollution and solution education in your curriculum or event, please contact us. (link to sustainablemonterey@gmail.com).
- Higher Education (picture: I can find a picture of college students in a CSMC activity… or how about the picture that Denyse had at MIIS) Monterey County is fortunate to be host to many higher education institutions, and CSMC is fortunate to be invited to offer opportunities for service learners. If you have your own higher-level educational curriculum or learning objective that includes advocating for social change to reduce plastic pollution, and would like to explore opportunities to work together, please contact us. (link to sustinablemonterey@gmail.com).
- Community Events and Activities (whalefest booth picture) CSMC participates in events designed to educate the local community and the public at large on plastic pollution, and, most importantly, on alternative practices and products that provide solutions. Whalefest was one of the first of these opportunities to share such education. We at CSMC collaborate and mutually participate in events with our partners, which include Monterey Regional Waste Management District, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Surfrider and Save the Whales. Events include “ocean nights”, farmers markets participation and local festivals that offer opportunities to educate and offer alternatives to single-use plastics.
- Business Community Expanding legislation in Monterey to prohibit use of single-use plastics that are neither recyclable nor compostable has compelled CSMC to help businesses and consumers to understand and implement the specifics of the ordinances. An example of this outreach is the restaurant toolkit developed with partners. Volunteers hand-delivered the toolkit to food providers in Monterey that clarified the city’s ordinance and status, answered frequent questions, and offered suggestions on compliant products, messaging to customers, and sustainable, cost-effective practices.